Chicken Noodle Soup

Who’s ready to indulge in a warm and delightful bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup? This version of the classic dish sets itself apart from the other chicken soups; we’ve created a dish full of rich flavors, making it a beloved remedy for those chilly days.

Enjoyed worldwide, Chicken Noodle Soup is the go-to choice for an uplifting bowl of goodness. In this recipe, we’ll use tender chicken thighs, heavy cream, and aromatic herbs to create a delightful balance of flavours that is nothing short of pure happiness.

Where did Chicken Noodle Soup come from?

That’s a good question. Chicken Soup originated from China, where people have been eating it for thousands of years. In fact, they’re so fond of this poultry dish that they have adapted it and added chili flakes and chili oil, which makes it a spicy delight.

In contrast, in South Korea, the Koreans add roots and dates to create a balanced meal, which is often enjoyed with Spicy Kimchi and other side dishes. Moreover, Western and European countries created a more subdued version of Chicken noodle soup with vegetables such as carrots, onion, turnips, herbs, and leftover chicken.

All cultures will have their own variation of this dish. It is a hearty meal that is deeply nourishing in the Winter and Autumn months, and many people attest to its amazing ability to help the body recover whenever it needs that extra boost of protein and chicken broth that occurs naturally when cooking chicken with vegetables in a soup.

Ingredients

Chicken breast or chicken thighs (skinless, bone-in), Fusili pasta, carrots, onion, garlic, white radish, chicken stock, heavy cream, tomato paste, fresh basil, garlic powder, ginger powder, paprika powder, cajun spice, salt, bay leaves, water and olive oil.

Carrots, garlic, and onions are the foundational ingredients that provide this soup with a well-rounded flavor. Chicken breasts are preferred, but you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Shredding the chicken is recommended for aesthetic appeal, but it is not necessary when using chicken breasts chopped into cubes. Heavy cream adds creaminess; it can be switched out for sour cream or coconut milk. Basil adds a lovely crunch and a vibrant color. White radish is mildly sweet and can be substituted for potato.

Ginger and garlic powder are optional. You can use a small piece of ginger in its place. Fresh garlic is used; however, garlic powder adds a little bit more oomph to the chicken soup. Tomato paste adds a rich tomato taste. When it comes to noodles, you can choose egg noodles or use a small pasta type such as rotini or fusilli.

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Clean the chicken breasts and chop them into cubes. Chop the onions. Peel and chop the carrot and white radish. Mince the garlic cloves. Cube the red bell pepper. Rinse the basil and slice it into two inches.

Gather the spices and herbs into a small bowl, such as tomato paste, garlic powder, ginger powder, paprika powder, cajun spice, salt, and bay leaves. This extra step will make the cooking process significantly easier.

Sauté carrots and aromatics: Drizzle extra olive oil and add the carrots, garlic, and onion. Sauté the vegetables on medium-high heat for two minutes.

Lightly cook the chicken: Drizzle some olive oil to cook the chicken breasts. Lightly cook the chicken on medium-high heat until all surfaces of the chicken become white. Once the chicken breasts are lightly cooked, add three cups of water, add the heavy cream, and stir the pot.

Simmer: Stir gently to mix all the ingredients. Simmer the chicken soup on medium-high heat for fifteen minutes with the lid closed. Add the bay leaf and beef stock cube.

Add the pasta: Add the noodles to the pot. Adding the noodles directly into the soup without cooking them separately will help thicken the soup, and it is also very convenient. Cook the pasta for nine minutes on medium-high heat with the lid closed. Garnish your Chicken noodle soup and serve immediately.

Expert tips

If possible, use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavour. They will enhance the soup’s taste. The chicken can easily be shredded during the cooking process. You can also use chicken breast in this recipe, which is a lean meat cut. Contrary to what most people think, the chicken breast won’t be tough; it will actually be tender and soft when it is cooked in the soup.

Sauté the vegetables first, then cook the soup. Sautéing vegetables like onion, garlic, and carrot will intensify the soup’s flavor. In place of white radish, you can add a turnip instead. Make sure to add the noodles or pasta at the end of the cooking process. Adding the noodles early will make the pasta soggy as it will absorb too much liquid. Usually, nine minutes is sufficient for the pasta to cook al dente. Otherwise, you can see the instructions on the packet.

How healthy is Chicken Noodle soup?

Chicken noodle soup is healthy, nourishing, and comforting. Since the chicken is cooked with bone-in pieces, the nutrients from the bones are also extracted from the soup. Chicken meat is an excellent protein source, essential for muscle growth and repair, and contributes to the immune system.

The diversified vegetables and herbs in the chicken soup, such as carrot, onion, garlic, white radish, bell pepper, paprika powder, and bay leaves, provide various vitamins, minerals, fibers, and antioxidants. These factors aid in digestion, boost the immune system, and enhance overall bodily functions.

The broth of chicken soup is packed with nutrition from the vegetables, herbs, and spices, as well as the collagen released from the chicken bones. The soup’s liquid content also hydrates the body, and the combination of these ingredients is especially nourishing for people recovering from the flu or a cold.

The warmth of the soup also promotes relaxation, helps to soothe a sore throat, and brings comfort by reducing stress and anxiety. This hearty soup is most appreciated during the cold seasons or if you’re recovering from the flu.

Can I put uncooked noodles in the chicken soup?

Yes, it is perfectly okay to put the uncooked noodles or pasta in the chicken soup, as they will cook within the soup. Also, the noodles will absorb the soup’s flavour and thicken it. This is a convenient way of cooking chicken soup because you don’t have to cook the noodles separately, drain the water, and transfer the noodles into the pot.

This means you will need to add the right amount of water, about two cups, as the noodles will absorb the water, and the liquid content of the soup will naturally reduce in quantity.

How to thicken the Chicken Noodle Soup?

However, it is not necessary as the soup will thicken overnight. There are several ways to thicken chicken noodle soup using simple techniques. When the noodles are cooked in the soup, the starch released from the pasta will naturally make the soup thicker. If you wish to thicken the soup further, mix an equal amount of cornstarch and cold water and add the slurry. Add a teaspoon of white flour or instant potato flakes to the soup. These ingredients will thicken the soup without altering its flavour.

Why have chicken noodles soup when sick with a cold or flu?

Chicken noodle soup has many benefits for those who are dealing with a cold or flu. The broth can provide hydration, and when consumed hot, it warms the body. This soup is also perfect for individuals with a low appetite.

Chicken noodle soup can be comforting and nourishing. The protein from the chicken helps the immune system fight off the cold or flu. Vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibers to boost overall body function, and the carbohydrates from the pasta noodles provide energy to the body.

How to Store Chicken Noodle Soup?

Store in an airtight container for two to three days. If you plan on freezing the chicken soup, omit the pasta or noodles and simply freeze the chicken and the contents.

What can you Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup?

The pasta in the Chicken noodle soup will suffice, so consuming it with additional carbohydrates such as bread or rice is unnecessary. However, if you’re really hungry and wish to do so, you can serve this dish with Garlic Bread. Consider adding some additional vegetables, such as a hearty Green salad or Kale Salad.